Having a child is a wonderful experience that brings joy to both parents. However, during a divorce, child support can become tricky. Child support is meant to care for the child, including any healthcare or insurance costs. It is paid to the parent with custody in order to properly attend to the child’s needs. Here is how child support is calculated in Alabama.
How Child Support is Calculated in Alabama
In Alabama, child support is formulated through the Income Shares Model. This estimates the total amount that an intact family would likely spend on their child or children, and then splits the amount proportionally between the parents. This proportion is made through the parents’ income, and the parent with larger income is responsible for more of the costs of childcare.
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Using this model on this model, the amount of child support paid is based on a formula called Rule 32. Rule 32 takes into account the income of the noncustodial parent, the combined income of both parents, the number of children, the amount paid for childcare, and the amount paid for health insurance.
The noncustodial parent, or the parent without custody, is generally the parent that pays child support. This is because the custodial parent’s share is already going towards the costs of raising the child. Since the custodial parent, or the parent with custody, is taking care of the child more often, the cost of child support is already included in their parenting style.
In some situations, the court may decide to take a different route when it comes to child support. Rule 32 is meant to be a guideline, and courts are allowed to deviate. There are many different variations in child custody, so trial judges may determine child support on a case by case basis.
Child support can be a tricky subject, especially when it comes to finances. Remember that the formula is meant to estimate the amount of support that would have been available had the family remained intact. This is a payment meant to make sure that your family receives the equity it deserves.
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If you have children, then child support is an important part of a divorce. It doesn’t have to be scary, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you are looking into getting a divorce, you want someone who is going to be on your side. Connect with us at Summit Family Law Firm to find an attorney that will go to bat for you both in and out of court. We will fight for you.
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